Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a display, a light source, a housing, an optical component, and a support component. The support component includes a translucent main body, a base having a portion that protrudes outward relative to the main body, and a second holding portion provided to the base and being held by a first holding portion. The main body extends towards the optical component from a first location of a first surface of the portion of the base. The second holding portion extends from a location of the base that is spaced apart from a second location of a second surface of the portion of the base, the second location of the portion of the base being directly opposite the first location of the portion of the base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/430,635 filed on Feb. 13, 2017, which claims priority to JapanesePatent Application No. 2016-025591 filed on Feb. 15, 2016. The entiredisclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/430,635 and JapanesePatent Application No. 2016-025591 are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a display device. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a display device having asupport component that supports an optical sheet from a side of a facethat is opposite a display face.

Background Information

Display devices equipped with a post member that supports a rear side ofan optical sheet that is opposite to a side to which a display facefaces are conventionally known (see Japanese Laid-Open PatentApplication Publication No. 2013-161793 (Patent Literature 1), forexample).

The above-mentioned Patent Literature 1 discloses a display devicecomprising a display component, a rear face housing, a light source, anda post member that supports an optical sheet. The rear face housing hasa fixing hole. The post member has a fixing protrusion for fixing thepost member in the fixing hole in the rear face housing, and a main bodyportion that supports the optical sheet from the rear side. Also, thepost member is disposed away from the light source. Also, the main bodyportion, the fixing protrusion, and the fixing hole are disposedcoaxially as seen in a direction perpendicular to the display face.

Because the distal end of the post member contacts with the opticalsheet, shadows tend to appear near the distal end of the post member onthe display component. In view of this, in the above-mentioned PatentLiterature 1, the post member is formed from a translucent material.Thus, when light from the light source shines on the post member, fewershadows will be produced on the display component.

SUMMARY

With the display device in the above-mentioned Patent Literature 1, themain body portion, the fixing protrusion, and the fixing hole aredisposed coaxially. Therefore, light inside the main body portionreadily infiltrates the fixing protrusion, and thus light from the lightsource component tends to go through the fixing hole and leak to a rearside of the rear face housing. As a result, there is a reduction in theamount of light near the distal end of the support component, whichcauses shadows at the display.

This invention is conceived in an effort to solve the above problem. Oneobject is to provide a display device with which there are fewer shadowson a display near a distal end of a support component.

In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance with afirst aspect of the present invention, a display device includes adisplay, a light source, a housing, an optical component, and a supportcomponent. The light source emits light towards the display. The housingaccommodates the light source, and includes a bottom portion that has afirst holding portion and a side wall that extends towards the displayfrom an outer peripheral edge of the bottom portion. The opticalcomponent is disposed between the display and the housing. The supportcomponent supports the optical component and is attached to the bottomportion of the housing by the first holding portion. The supportcomponent includes a translucent main body, a base having a portion thatprotrudes outward relative to the main body, and a second holdingportion provided to the base and being held by the first holdingportion. The main body extends towards the optical component from afirst location of a first surface of the portion of the base. The secondholding portion extends from a location of the base that is spaced apartfrom a second location of a second surface of the portion of the base,the second location of the portion of the base being directly oppositethe first location of the portion of the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the overall configuration of aliquid crystal television device in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid crystal televisiondevice shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the liquid crystal televisiondevice, taken along line shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the liquid crystal televisiondevice, taken along IV-IV line shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial exploded perspective view of the liquid crystaltelevision device, illustrating the attachment of a panel post to a rearframe of the liquid crystal television device;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the panel post shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the liquid crystal televisiondevice, illustrating the path of the light passing through the panelpost;

FIG. 8 is a partial exploded perspective view of a liquid crystaltelevision device in accordance with a second embodiment, illustratingthe attachment of a panel post to a rear frame of the liquid crystaltelevision device;

FIG. 9 is a partial exploded perspective view of a liquid crystaltelevision device in accordance with a third embodiment, illustratingthe attachment of a panel post to a rear frame of the liquid crystaltelevision device;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a panel post in accordance with a firstmodification example;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a panel post in accordance with a secondmodification example;

FIG. 12 is a partial exploded perspective view of a liquid crystaltelevision device in accordance with a third modification example,illustrating the attachment of a panel post to a rear frame of theliquid crystal television device;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a panel post in accordance with a fourthmodification example; and

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a panel post in accordance with afifth modification example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

First Embodiment

The configuration of a liquid crystal television device 100 inaccordance with a first embodiment will now be described throughreference to FIGS. 1 to 7. The liquid crystal television device 100 isan example of the “display device” of the present disclosure.

Basic Configuration of Liquid Crystal Television Device

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal television device 100 comprises adisplay component 1 (e.g., display), a front housing 2, a rear frame 3,and a stand 4 that supports the entire liquid crystal television device100. The rear frame 3 is an example of the “housing” of the presentdisclosure.

In the following description, the left and right direction of the liquidcrystal television device 100 when the liquid crystal television device100 is viewed from a position opposite the display component 1 (as seenin a direction perpendicular to a display face 1 a (e.g., a main face))is called the X direction (X1 direction is the leftward direction, andX2 direction is the rightward direction). The forward and rearwarddirection of the liquid crystal television device 100 is called the Ydirection (Y1 direction is the forward direction, and Y2 direction isthe rearward direction). The up and down direction is called the Zdirection (Z1 direction is upward direction, and Z2 direction is thedownward direction).

The front housing 2 is molded from plastic. The front housing 2 isconfigured so as to support the display component 1. Also, the fronthousing 2 has an opening 2 a for exposing the display component 1 on thefront side (the Y1 direction side).

The rear frame 3 is formed from metal. The rear frame 3 is disposed onthe rear face side (the Y2 direction side) of the display component 1.Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the rear frame 3 is formed in a concave shapethat is recessed to the rear (the Y2 direction). Also, the rear frame 3is configured so as to be attached to the front housing 2.

The rear frame 3 includes first holes 3 b and second holes 3 c.Specifically, the rear frame 3 includes a bottom portion 3 d that hasthe first and second holes 3 b and 3 c (e.g., first holding portions)and a side wall 3 e that extends towards the display component 1 (e.g.,display) from an outer peripheral edge of the bottom portion 3 d. Thefirst holes 3 b and second holes 3 c are provided, two each, spaced aspecific distance apart in the left and right direction (X direction),in the center of the up and down direction (Z direction). Also, thefirst holes 3 b and second holes 3 c are disposed in a single row. Thefirst holes 3 b are configured to allow engagement with hook-shapedparts 9 c (see FIG. 5) of panel posts 9 (discussed below). The secondholes 3 c are configured to allow engagement with convex parts 9 d (seeFIG. 5) of the panel posts 9 (discussed below). This will be discussedin greater detail below. The first holes 3 b and second holes 3 c areboth an example of the “first holding portion” of the presentdisclosure. Also, the panel posts 9 are an example of the “supportcomponent” of the present disclosure. The hook-shaped parts 9 c andconvex parts 9 d are both an example of the “second holding portion” ofthe present disclosure. The stand 4 is not depicted in FIG. 2. Thus, inthe illustrated embodiment, the rear frame 3 (e.g., the housing)includes the first and second holes 3 b and 3 c (e.g., first holdingportions) and is disposed on the rear face side (e.g., the opposite sideof the display face) of the display component 1.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear frame 3 is provided with a cover 3a. The cover 3 a is attached to the rear frame 3 from the rear (the Y2direction) so as to cover the various boards (not shown), such as apower supply board or a signal processing board, that are installed onthe rear frame 3. The cover 3 a is also configured so as to cover thefirst holes 3 b and the second holes 3 c.

As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal television device 100 comprisesLED (light emitting diode) boards 5, light source components 6, areflecting sheet 7, optical sheets 8, and the panel posts 9, all between(inside) the front housing 2 and the rear frame 3. The panel posts 9 areprimarily parts used for suppressing bending of the optical sheets 8 bysupporting the optical sheets 8 from the rear face side (the Y2direction side). This will be described in greater detail below. Thereflecting sheet 7 is an example of the “reflector” and “firstreflector” of the present disclosure. The optical sheets 8 are anexample of the “optical component” of the present disclosure. The lightsource components 6 are an example of the “light source” of the presentdisclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source components 6(e.g., light source) is configured to emit light towards the displaycomponent 1 (e.g., display). Also, the light source components 6 areaccommodated by the rear frame 3 (e.g., housing). Also, the opticalsheets 8 (e.g., optical component) are disposed between the displaycomponent 1 (e.g., display) and the rear frame 3 (e.g., housing). Also,the panel posts 9 (e.g., support components) support the optical sheets8 (e.g., optical component), and are held by the first and second holes3 b and 3 c (e.g., first holding portions).

The LED boards 5 are formed in a slender shape extending in the left andright direction (X direction). Two of the LED boards 5 are provided. Thetwo LED boards 5 are disposed in parallel, spaced apart a specificdistance in the up and down direction (Z direction), on the surface onthe front side (the Y1 direction side) of the rear frame 3. The LEDboards 5 are configured to allow the mounting of the light sourcecomponents 6.

The light source components 6 each include an LEDs 6 a and a diffusinglens 6 b.

The LEDs 6 a are configured to shine light at the display component 1(see FIG. 1). Eight of the LEDs 6 a are mounted in a single row in theleft and right direction (X direction), spaced apart, on the mountingface (front face) of each of the two LED boards 5. Also, the LEDs 6 aare disposed on the rear face side (the Y2 direction side) of thedisplay component 1. Therefore, the liquid crystal television device 100is a liquid crystal television device of the so-called directly backlittype.

The diffusing lenses 6 b are adhesively fixed to the LED boards 5 so asto cover the display component 1 side (front side) of the LEDs 6 amounted to the LED boards 5. One diffusing lens 6 b is provided to eachLED 6 a. The diffusing lenses 6 b are made from acrylic or another suchplastic. Also, the diffusing lenses 6 b are configured to allow theangle at which the light is emitted from the LEDs 6 a toward the displaycomponent 1 to be expanded.

The reflecting sheet 7 is molded from PET (polyethylene terephthalate)or another such plastic, and is formed so as to allow light to bereflected. The reflecting sheet 7 is disposed along the face of the rearframe 3 on the display component 1 side, between the rear frame 3 and adiffuser plate 8 a (discussed below). Also, the reflecting sheet 7 isdisposed between the rear frame 3 and the supports 9 a (discussed below)of the panel posts 9. More precisely, the reflecting sheet 7 includes abottom face 7 a and four inclined faces 7 b that are disposedsurrounding the four sides of the bottom face 7 a. The bottom face 7 ais formed in a rectangular shape extending in the up and down direction(Z direction) and the left and right direction (X direction). The fourinclined faces 7 b are formed in a trapezoidal shape that tilts outwardtoward the front from the ends of the bottom face 7 a. The bottom face 7a has light source holes 7 c and panel post holes 7 d and 7 e.

The reflecting sheet 7 is disposed so as to overlap the entire region inwhich the supports 9 a (the distal end parts 9 e) and the optical sheets8 come into contact, as seen in a direction perpendicular to the displayface 1 a (Y direction). The reflecting sheet 7 is configured to reflectlight from the light source components 6. Also, the reflecting sheet 7is disposed so as to overlap the entire region of the main body portions9 a, as seen in a direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a (Ydirection). Therefore, the reflecting sheet 7 is disposed over theentire region of the main body portions 9 a, which are shown in FIG. 6in a rectangular shape. Furthermore, the reflecting sheet 7 is disposedso that the proportion accounted for by the region overlapping the mainbody portions 9 a with respect to the entire region of the main bodyportions 9 a as seen in a direction perpendicular to the display face 1a (Y direction) is at least 80%. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment,the reflecting sheet 7 (e.g., reflector) is disposed between the rearframe 3 (e.g., housing) and the support 9 a (e.g., main body portion),and is configured to reflect the light from the light source component 6(e.g., light source). Also, in the illustrated embodiment, thereflecting sheet 7 (e.g., reflector) is arranged relative to the support9 a (e.g., main body portion) to overlap at least 80% of an entireregion of the support 9 a (e.g., main body portion) as seen in thedirection perpendicular to the display face 1 a. Also, in theillustrated embodiment, the reflecting sheet 7 (e.g., reflector) isarranged relative to the support 9 a (e.g., main body portion) tooverlap substantially the entire region of the support 9 a (e.g., mainbody portion) as seen in the direction perpendicular to the display face1 a. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the reflecting sheet 7 (e.g.,reflector) is arranged to overlap substantially the entire region inwhich the support 9 a (e.g., main body portion) and the optical sheets 8(e.g., optical components) contact with each other as seen in thedirection perpendicular to the display face 10 a. Also, in theillustrated embodiment, the reflecting sheet 7 (e.g., reflector) isarranged to overlap an entire region of the support 9 a (e.g., main bodyportion) in which a distance between the support 9 a (e.g., main bodyportion) and the optical sheets 8 (e.g., optical components) is lessthan or equal to a predetermined distance as seen in the directionperpendicular to the display face 10 a. In particular, in theillustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the reflecting sheet 7overlaps the entire region of the support 9 a as viewed in the Ydirection. Thus, in this case, the predetermined distance is equal tothe entire length L1 (see FIG. 7) of the support 9 a in the Y direction.However, the predetermined distance can be equal to the half of theentire length L of the support 9 a, or other distance. Morespecifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined distancecan be equal to or more than the length L2 (see FIG. 7) of the support 9a the cross sectional area at which is 80% of the outer profile of thesupport 9 a as seen in the Y direction.

Sixteen of the light source holes 7 c are provided at positionscorresponding to the positions on the bottom face 7 a where the lightsource components 6 (the LEDs 6 a and the diffusing lenses 6 b) aredisposed. As shown in FIG. 3, these light source holes 7 c in thereflecting sheet 7 are configured such that when the LED boards 5 areattached to the rear frame 3, the light source components 6 (the LEDs 6a and the diffusing lenses 6 b) can be disposed (exposed) more to thedisplay component 1 side (the front side) than the reflecting sheet 7.

As shown in FIG. 2, two each of the panel post holes 7 d and 7 e areprovided, spaced apart by a specific amount in the left and rightdirection (X direction), in the center of the bottom face 7 a in the upand down direction (Z direction). The panel post holes 7 d and 7 e areformed so as to respectively allow the hook-shaped parts 9 c and convexparts 9 d (discussed below) of the panel posts 9 can be passed throughtoward the rear (in the Y2 direction). The panel post holes 7 d and 7 eare provided (coaxially) at positions that overlap respectively with thefirst holes 3 b and second holes 3 c of the rear frame 3.

The optical sheets 8 include the diffuser plate 8 a and a polarizingfilter 8 b. The optical sheets 8 are disposed parallel to the bottomface 7 a of the reflecting sheet 7.

The diffuser plate 8 a is molded from plastic or the like. The diffuserplate 8 a is also formed as a flat, rectangular plate. The diffuserplate 8 a is disposed between the display component 1 and the lightsource components 6, and is configured to diffuse the light from thelight source components 6. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, theoptical sheets 8 (e.g., the optical components) are disposed between thedisplay component 1 and the light source components 6 (e.g., the lightsources) to receive the light from the light source component 6 and toemit the light towards the display component 1.

The polarizing filter 8 b is formed as a flat, rectangular plate ofabout the same size as the diffuser plate 8 a. Also, the polarizingfilter 8 b is disposed parallel to the diffuser plate 8 a. Thepolarizing filter 8 b is disposed between the diffuser plate 8 a and thedisplay component 1, and is configured to align the polarizationdirection of the light transmitted by the diffuser plate 8 a, and emitthis light to the display component 1.

Configuration of Panel Posts

As shown in FIG. 3, the panel posts 9 are disposed away from the lightsource components 6. The panel posts 9 are molded from a translucentresin material. More specifically, the panel posts 9 each include thesupport 9 a, a protruding portion 9 b, the hook-shaped part 9 c, and theconvex part 9 d. The supports 9 a are an example of the “main bodyportion” of the present disclosure.

The supports 9 a each have a distal end part 9 e with an acute angle tothe front (the Y1 direction), and are formed extending in the forwardand rearward direction (Y direction). Also, the supports 9 a are formedas a pentagonal, flat plate whose thickness direction is the up and downdirection (Z direction). The supports 9 a are configured to support theoptical sheets 8 when the distal end parts 9 e are brought into contactwith the optical sheets 8 from the rear side (the Y2 direction side) ofthe optical sheets 8. Also, the supports 9 a protrude from the rearframe 3 to the optical sheet 8 side (the display component 1 side). Thesupports 9 a are also translucent.

The reflecting sheet 7 is disposed so as to overlap at least thesupports 9 a, as seen in a direction perpendicular to the display face 1a (Y direction) of the display component 1. More precisely, as shown inFIG. 6, the supports 9 a are seen as a rectangular shape, as seen in adirection perpendicular to the display face 1 a (Y direction). As shownin FIG. 5, the reflecting sheet 7 is disposed at least in the regioncorresponding to these rectangular supports 9 a. Consequently, thereflecting sheet 7 is configured to allow light from the light sourcecomponents 6 to be reflected to the display component 1 side.

As shown in FIG. 6, the protruding portions 9 b are formed so as toprotrude from the lower part (the rear end) of the support 9 a outwardin a flange shape (in a direction parallel to the display face 1 a ofthe display component 1 from the support 9 a). More precisely, theprotruding portions 9 b are formed as an approximately elliptical, flatplate whose lengthwise direction is the left and right direction (Xdirection), as seen in a direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a(Y direction). The protruding portions 9 b extend in the up and downdirection (Z direction) and in the left and right direction (Xdirection). Specifically, the protruding portions 9 b are parallel tothe bottom face 7 a of the rear frame 3 and to the optical sheets 8.Also, the supports 9 a are disposed in the approximate center of theprotruding portions 9 b, as seen in a direction perpendicular to thedisplay face 1 a (Y direction). The protruding portions 9 b areconfigured to sandwich the reflecting sheet 7 along with the rear frame3, which helps keep the reflecting sheet 7 from sagging.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the hook-shaped parts 9 c and the convexparts 9 d are provided on both sides of the supports 9 a so as tosandwich the supports 9 a. More precisely, the hook-shaped parts 9 c areprovided on the left side (the X1 direction side) of the supports 9 a.The convex parts 9 d are provided on the right side (the X2 directionside) of the supports 9 a. The hook-shaped parts 9 c and the convexparts 9 d are disposed offset from the supports 9 a, so as not tooverlap each other, as seen in a direction perpendicular to the displayface 1 a (Y direction). Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the first holes 3 band the second holes 3 c of the rear frame 3 in which the hook-shapedparts 9 c and the convex parts 9 d respectively engage are disposedoffset from the supports 9 a, so as substantially not to overlap eachother, as seen in a direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a (Ydirection).

The hook-shaped parts 9 c are provided on the rear side (the Y2direction side) of the protruding portions 9 b. The hook-shaped parts 9c are formed so that their lengthwise direction is the left and rightdirection (X direction), as seen from the rear (the Y2 direction). Asshown in FIG. 6, the hook-shaped parts 9 c are disposed at a positionwhere the center in the short-side direction (Z direction) overlaps acenter line α1 that bisects the supports 9 a in the short-side direction(Z direction), as seen in a direction perpendicular to the display face1 a (Y direction). Also, the hook-shaped parts 9 c are disposed atpositions where a center line α2 that bisects the hook-shaped parts 9 cin the lengthwise direction (X direction) does not overlap the supports9 a, as seen in a direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a (Ydirection). As shown in FIG. 3, the hook-shaped parts 9 c are configuredto engage in the first holes 3 b of the rear frame 3, therebyrestricting the movement of the supports 9 a in the forward and rearwarddirection (Y direction) with respect to the rear frame 3.

The connected portions 90 a of the hook-shaped parts 9 c and theprotruding portions 9 b (see FIG. 5) are disposed so as not to overlapthe supports 9 a, as seen in a direction perpendicular to the displayface 1 a (Y direction). Also, the connected portions 90 b of the convexparts 9 d and the protruding portions 9 b (see FIG. 5) are disposed soas not to overlap the supports 9 a, as seen in a direction perpendicularto the display face 1 a (Y direction).

The convex parts 9 d are provided to the rear (Y2 direction side) faceof the protruding portions 9 b. As shown in FIG. 6, the convex parts 9 dare disposed at a position where the center line in the up and downdirection (Z direction) overlaps the center line α1 that bisects thesupports 9 a in the short-side direction (Z direction), as seen in adirection perpendicular to the display face 1 a (Y direction). Also, theconvex parts 9 d are disposed at a position where the center line α3 ofthe convex parts 9 d in the X direction does not overlap the supports 9a, as seen in a direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a (Ydirection). As shown in FIG. 3, in a state in which the hook-shapedparts 9 c are engaged with the first holes 3 b of the rear frame 3, theconvex parts 9 d engage with the second holes 3 c of the rear frame 3,which determines the position of the supports 9 a in the rotationaldirection with respect to the rear frame 3. The distance between thecenters of the first holes 3 b and the second holes 3 c is substantiallyequal to the distance between the center line α2 and the center line α3(see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 5, the distance D between the first holes3 b and the second holes 3 c is greater than the width W of the supports9 a in the left and right direction (X direction). Thus, in theillustrated embodiment, the panel posts 9 (e.g., support components)each include the translucent support 9 a (e.g., main body portion), theprotruding portion 9 b, the hook-shaped part 9 c and the convex part 9 d(e.g., second holding portions). The support 9 a is disposed on thebottom portion 3 d of the rear frame 3, and extends towards the opticalsheets 8 (e.g., optical components). Specifically, the support 9 aprotrudes from the rear frame 3 (e.g., housing) towards the opticalsheets 8 (e.g., optical components). The protruding portion 9 bprotrudes in the direction parallel to the display face 1 a (e.g., mainface) of the display component 1 from the support 9 a (e.g., main bodyportion). The hook-shaped part 9 c and the convex part 9 d (e.g., secondholding portions) are provided to the protruding portion 9 b and areheld by the first hole 3 b and the second hole 3 c (e.g., first holdingportions). Specifically, the hook-shaped part 9 c and the convex part 9d (e.g., second holding portions) engage with the first hole 3 b and thesecond hole 3 c (e.g., first holding portions). Also, in the illustratedembodiment, the connected portion 90 a of the hook-shaped part 9 c(e.g., second holding portion) and the protruding portion 9 b is locatedat a substantially non-overlapping location relative to the support 9 a(e.g., main body portion) as seen in a direction perpendicular to thedisplay face 1 a, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Furthermore, in theillustrated embodiment, the connected portion 90 b of the convex part 9d (e.g., second holding portion) and the protruding portion 9 b islocated at a substantially non-overlapping location relative to thesupport 9 a (e.g., main body portion) as seen in a directionperpendicular to the display face 1 a, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Also,in the illustrated embodiment, at least a part of the hook-shaped part 9c or the convex part 9 d (e.g., second holding portion) is located at anon-overlapping location relative to the support 9 a (e.g., main bodyportion) as seen in a direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a,as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, thehook-shaped part 9 c and the convex part 9 d (e.g., second holdingportions) are located at a non-overlapping location relative to support9 a (e.g., the main body portion) as seen in the direction perpendicularto the display face 1 a, as shown in FIG. 6. Also, in the illustratedembodiment, the first hole 3 b and the second hole 3 c (e.g., firstholding portions) are located at a substantially non-overlappinglocation relative to the support 9 a (e.g., main body portion) as seenin the direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a, as shown in FIG.6. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the hook-shaped part 9 c and theconvex part 9 d (e.g., two of the second holding portions) are provided,and the hook-shaped part 9 c and the convex part 9 d (e.g., secondholding portions) are provided on both sides of the support 9 a (e.g.,main body portion) as seen in the direction perpendicular to the displayface 1 a, as shown in FIG. 6. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, thesupport 9 a (e.g., main body portion) has a rectangular shape as seen inthe direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a, and the hook-shapedpart 9 c and the convex part 9 d (e.g., second holding portions) areadjacent to the support 9 a (e.g., main body portion) in the X direction(e.g., lengthwise direction of the main body). Also, in the illustratedembodiment, the hook-shaped part 9 c (e.g., second holding portion) hasa rectangular shape as seen in the direction perpendicular to thedisplay face 1 a, and the center line α2 of the hook-shaped part 9 c(e.g., second holding portion) that bisects the hook-shaped part 9 c(e.g., second holding portion) in the X direction (e.g., lengthwisedirection of the second holding portion) is located at a non-overlappinglocation relative to the support 9 a (e.g., main body portion). Also, inthe illustrated embodiment, the first hole 3 b (e.g., first holdingportion) includes a hole, and the hook-shaped part 9 c (e.g., secondholding portion) includes a hook that extends through the first hole 3 bto engage with the first hole 3 b. Also, in the illustrated embodiment,the support 9 a (e.g., main body portion) has a rectangular shape asseen in the direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a, the firsthole 3 b and the second hole 3 c (e.g., two of the first holdingportions) are provided corresponding to the hook-shaped part 9 c and theconvex part 9 d (e.g., second holding portions), and the distance Dbetween the first hole 3 b and the second hole 3 c (e.g., first holdingportions) is larger than the width W of the support 9 a (e.g., main bodyportion) in the X direction (e.g., lengthwise direction of the main bodyportion) as seen in the direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a.

Path of Light Inside Panel Posts

The path of light that has infiltrated the inside of the panel posts 9will now be described through reference to FIG. 7.

The light that has infiltrated the inside of the supports 9 a (panelposts 9) is reflected at the surface of the supports 9 a while beingdivided into light facing forward (Y1 direction) and light facingrearward (Y2 direction). The light facing rearward (Y2 direction) isthen reflected forward (Y1 direction) by the reflecting sheet 7 disposedalong the rear frame 3. The light reflected forward (Y1 direction) isthen to the outside of the panel posts 9 from near the distal end parts9 e of the panel posts 9, and goes through the optical sheets 8 toilluminate the display component 1. Because the supports 9 a of thepanel posts 9 and the hook-shaped parts 9 c and convex parts 9 d of thesupports 9 a of the panel posts 9 are disposed offset, so as not tooverlap each other, as seen in a direction perpendicular to the displayface 1 a (Y direction), the light facing rearward (Y2 direction) isreflected forward (Y1 direction) without (substantially without) passingthrough the first holes 3 b and the second holes 3 c of the rear frame3.

Effect of First Embodiment

The following effect can be obtained with the first embodiment.

As discussed above, in the first embodiment, the first holes 3 b andsecond holes 3 c are provided to the rear frame 3, the panel posts 9 areprovided with the supports 9 a and with the hook-shaped parts 9 c andconvex parts 9 d that respectively engage with the first holes 3 b andthe second holes 3 c, and the connected portions 90 a and 90 b of thehook-shaped parts 9 c, the convex parts 9 d, and the protruding portions9 b are disposed so as not to overlap the supports 9 a, as seen in adirection perpendicular to the display face 1 a. Consequently, comparedto when the supports 9 a and the connected portions 90 a and 90 b aredisposed so as to overlap as seen in a direction perpendicular to thedisplay face 1 a, since the hook-shaped parts 9 c and the convex parts 9d are disposed away from the ends of the supports 9 a on the rear frame3 side, light is less likely to infiltrate the hook-shaped parts 9 c andthe convex parts 9 d from the supports 9 a, light leakage from the rearframe 3 can so forth can be suppressed, and more light will be reflectedtoward the distal end part 9 e side of the panel posts 9 on the rearframe 3 side. As a result, fewer shadows will be produced at the displaycomponent 1 near the distal end parts 9 e of the panel posts 9, whichare attributable to the leakage of light from the light sourcecomponents 6 at a side of a face (rear face side) of the rear frame 3that is not the display face 1 a.

Also, as discussed above, in the first embodiment, there is furtherprovided a reflecting sheet 7 that is disposed between the rear frame 3and the supports 9 a, and that is disposed so as to overlap the entireregion where the supports 9 a and the optical sheets 8 are in contact asseen in a direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a, and that isconfigured to be able to reflect light from the light source components6. Consequently, since the reflecting sheet 7 is disposed overlappingthe entire region where the supports 9 a and the optical sheets 8 are incontact, light from the optical sheet 8 side can be effectivelyreflected by the reflecting sheet 7.

Also, as discussed above, in the first embodiment, the reflecting sheet7 is disposed overlapping the entire region of the supports 9 a as seenin a direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a. Consequently,since the reflecting sheet 7 is disposed so as to overlap the entireregion of the supports 9 a as seen in a direction perpendicular to thedisplay face 1 a with respect to the supports 9 a, light from theoptical sheet 8 can be effectively reflected by the reflecting sheet 7.

As discussed above, in the first embodiment, the hook-shaped parts 9 cand the convex parts 9 d are provided on both sides of the supports 9 aso as to flank the supports 9 a. Consequently, on both sides of thesupports 9 a, the hook-shaped parts 9 c and the convex parts 9 d arerespectively engaged with the first holes 3 b and the second holes 3 c(the panel posts 9 are attached to the rear frame 3), so even if thehook-shaped parts 9 c, the convex parts 9 d, the first holes 3 b, andthe second holes 3 c are offset with respect to the supports 9 a, thepanel posts 9 can still be attached in a stable state to the rear frame3.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment will now be described through reference to FIGS. 1and 8. In view of the similarity between the first and secondembodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment will be given the same referencenumerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, thedescriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake ofbrevity. In this second embodiment, unlike in the first embodiment abovein which the panel posts 9 are engaged in holes (the first holes 3 b andthe second holes 3 c) in the rear frame 3 disposed parallel to thereflecting sheet 7, an example will be given in which panel posts 209are engaged in cut-and-lifted parts 203 f made in a rear frame 203 andthat pass through the reflecting sheet 7. Those components that are thesame as in the first embodiment above will be numbered the same as inthe first embodiment and will not be described again. The rear frame 203is an example of the “housing” of the present disclosure. The panelposts 209 are an example of the “support component” of the presentdisclosure.

Configuration of Rear Frame and Panel Posts

As shown in FIG. 8, with the liquid crystal television device 200 inaccordance with the second embodiment (see FIG. 1), the pair ofcut-and-lifted parts 203 f, which pass forward (in the Y1 direction)through the reflecting sheet 7 and protrude to the display component 1side, are formed on the rear frame 203. Also, a pair of engagingprotrusions 209 f, which protrude parallel to the optical sheets 8 (inthe X1 direction and the X2 direction), are formed on the panel posts209. The liquid crystal television device 200 is an example of the“display device” of the present disclosure. The cut-and-lifted parts 203f are an example of the “first holding portion” of the presentdisclosure. The engaging protrusions 209 f are an example of the “secondholding portion” of the present disclosure.

The cut-and-lifted parts 203 f are formed by cutting and lifting upparts of the rear frame 203. Also, the cut-and-lifted parts 203 f have aflat, rectangular shape that extends in the forward and rearwarddirection (Y direction) and the up and down direction (Z direction). Thecut-and-lifted parts 203 f are spaced a specific distance apart in theleft and right direction (X direction). This specific distance isslightly greater than the length of the protruding portions 9 b of thepanel posts 209 in the left and right direction (X direction). Also, thecut-and-lifted parts 203 f have holes 203 g that pass through in thethickness direction (X direction).

The two engaging protrusions 209 f are provided to the X1 direction endand the X2 direction end of each of the protruding portions 9 b. Theengaging protrusions 209 f are formed in a triangular prism shape thatextends in the up and down direction. Also, the configuration is suchthat the engaging protrusions 209 f are engaged in the holes 203 g (thecut-and-lifted parts 203 f), which allows the panel posts 209 to beattached to the rear frame 203. The connected portions 290 between theengaging protrusions 209 f and the protruding portions 9 b are disposedso as not to overlap the supports 9 a as seen in a directionperpendicular to the display face 1 a (Y direction).

The rest of the configuration in the second embodiment is the same as inthe first embodiment above. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, thecut-and-lifted parts 203 f (e.g., first holding portions) extend throughthe reflecting sheets 7 (e.g., reflector) and protrude towards thedisplay component 1, and the engaging protrusions 209 f (e.g., secondholding portions) protrude in the direction parallel to the display face1 a of the display component 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the panelposts 209 (e.g., support components) each include the translucentsupport 9 a (e.g., main body portion), the protruding portion 9 b, andthe engaging protrusions 209 f (e.g., second holding portions). Thesupport 9 a is disposed on a bottom portion of the rear frame 203, andextends towards the optical sheets 8 (e.g., optical components).Specifically, the support 9 a protrudes from the rear frame 3 (e.g.,housing) towards the optical sheets 8 (e.g., optical components). Theprotruding portion 9 b protrudes in the direction parallel to thedisplay face 1 a (e.g., main face) of the display component 1 from thesupport 9 a (e.g., main body portion). The engaging protrusions 209 f(e.g., second holding portions) are provided to the protruding portion 9b and are held by the cut-and-lifted parts 203 f (e.g., first holdingportions). Specifically, the engaging protrusions 209 f (e.g., secondholding portions) engage with the cut-and-lifted parts 203 f (e.g.,first holding portions). Also, in the illustrated embodiment, theconnected portions of the engaging protrusions 209 f (e.g., secondholding portions) and the protruding portion 9 b are located at asubstantially non-overlapping location relative to the support 9 a(e.g., main body portion) as seen in a direction perpendicular to thedisplay face 1 a. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment. Also, inthe illustrated embodiment, the engaging protrusions 209 f (e.g., secondholding portions) are located at a non-overlapping location relative tosupport 9 a (e.g., the main body portion) as seen in the directionperpendicular to the display face 1 a. Also, in the illustratedembodiment, the cut-and-lifted parts 203 f (e.g., first holdingportions) are located at a substantially non-overlapping locationrelative to the support 9 a (e.g., main body portion) as seen in thedirection perpendicular to the display face 1 a. Also, in theillustrated embodiment, the engaging protrusions 209 f (e.g., two of thesecond holding portions) are provided, and the engaging protrusions 209f (e.g., second holding portions) are provided on both sides of thesupport 9 a (e.g., main body portion) as seen in the directionperpendicular to the display face 1 a. Also, in the illustratedembodiment, the support 9 a (e.g., main body portion) has a rectangularshape as seen in the direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a,and the engaging protrusions 209 f (e.g., second holding portions) areadjacent to the support 9 a (e.g., main body portion) in the X direction(e.g., lengthwise direction of the main body). Also, in the illustratedembodiment, the engaging protrusions 209 f (e.g., second holdingportion) has a rectangular shape as seen in the direction perpendicularto the display face 1 a, and the center lines of the engagingprotrusions 209 f (e.g., second holding portions) that bisects theengaging protrusions 209 f (e.g., second holding portions) in the Xdirection (e.g., lengthwise direction of the second holding portion) arelocated at non-overlapping locations relative to the support 9 a (e.g.,main body portion). Also, in the illustrated embodiment, thecut-and-lifted parts 203 f (e.g., first holding portion) include theholes 203 g, and the engaging protrusions 209 f (e.g., second holdingportions) include hooks that extend through the holes 203 g to engagewith the holes 203 b. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the support 9a (e.g., main body portion) has a rectangular shape as seen in thedirection perpendicular to the display face 1 a, the cut-and-liftedparts 203 f (e.g., two of the first holding portions) are providedcorresponding to the engaging protrusions 209 f (e.g., second holdingportions), and the distance between the cut-and-lifted parts 203 f(e.g., first holding portions) is larger than the width W of the support9 a (e.g., main body portion) in the X direction (e.g., lengthwisedirection of the main body portion) as seen in the directionperpendicular to the display face 1 a.

Effect of Second Embodiment

The following effect can be obtained with the second embodiment.

With the second embodiment, just as with the first embodiment above, thecut-and-lifted parts 203 f are provided to the rear frame 203, the panelposts 209 are provided with the supports 9 a and with the engagingprotrusions 209 f that engage with the cut-and-lifted parts 203 f, andthe connected portions 290 between the engaging protrusions 209 f andthe protruding portions 9 b are disposed so as not to overlap thesupports 9 a as seen in a direction perpendicular to the display face 1a. Consequently, fewer shadows will be produced at the display component1 near the distal end parts 9 e of the panel posts 209, which areattributable to the leakage of light from the light source components 6at a side of a face (rear face side) of the rear frame 203 that is notthe display face 1 a.

Also, in the second embodiment, as discussed above, the cut-and-liftedparts 203 f are formed so as to pass through the reflecting sheet 7 andprotrude to the display component 1 side, and the engaging protrusions209 f are formed so as to protrude parallel to the optical sheets 8.Consequently, if the rear frame 203 is made of sheet metal, thecut-and-lifted parts 203 f can be easily formed by cutting and lifting.Also, compared to when the engaging protrusions 209 f are engaged inholes that pass through to a side of a face (rear face side) that is notthe display face 1 a, there will be less leakage of light from the lightsource components 6 on the rear face side of the rear frame 203, so evenfewer shadows will be produced on the display component 1 near thedistal ends 9 e of the panel posts 209.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment will now be described through reference to FIGS. 1and 9. In view of the similarity between the first to third embodiments,the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of thefirst and second embodiments will be given the same reference numeralsas the parts of the first and second embodiments. Moreover, thedescriptions of the parts of the third embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first and second embodiment may be omitted for the sakeof brevity. In this third embodiment, unlike in the first embodimentabove in which the reflecting sheet 7 is disposed to the rear (in the Y2direction) of the supports 9 a of the panel posts 9, an example is givenin which a panel post-use reflecting sheet 307, rather than thereflecting sheet 7, is disposed to the rear (in the Y2 direction) of thesupports 9 a of the panel posts 9. Those components that are the same asin the first embodiment above will be numbered the same as in the firstembodiment and will not be described again. The panel post-usereflecting sheet 307 is an example of the “second reflector” of thepresent disclosure.

Configuration of Panel Post-Use Reflecting Sheet

As shown in FIG. 9, the liquid crystal television device 300 inaccordance with the third embodiment (see FIG. 1) includes a panelpost-use reflecting sheet 307 that is disposed so as to overlap theentire region of the supports 9 a, as seen in a direction perpendicularto the display face 1 a (Y direction). This panel post-use reflectingsheet 307 is disposed between the rear frame 3 and the supports 9 a(protruding portions 9 b). Also, the panel post-use reflecting sheet 307has higher reflectivity of light than the reflecting sheet 7. The liquidcrystal television device 300 is an example of the “display device” ofthe present disclosure.

The panel post-use reflecting sheet 307 is disposed so as to overlapsubstantially the entire region where the supports 9 a (distal end parts9 e) and the optical sheets 8 come into contact, as seen in a directionperpendicular to the display face 1 a (Y direction). Also, the panelpost-use reflecting sheet 307 is configured to reflect light from thelight source components 6. The panel post-use reflecting sheet 307 isdisposed so as to overlap substantially the entire region of thesupports 9 a as seen in a direction perpendicular to the display face 1a (Y direction). That is, the panel post-use reflecting sheet 307 isdisposed so that the proportion accounted for by the region overlappingthe main body portions 9 a with respect to the entire region of the mainbody portions 9 a as seen in a direction perpendicular to the displayface 1 a is at least 80%. In the illustrated embodiment, the panelpost-use reflecting sheet 307 can be independent from the reflectingsheet 7 as a separate part. The panel post-use reflecting sheet 307 canbe adhered on the reflecting sheet 7 at the suitable location byadhesive, tape or any other suitable manner as needed and/or desired.

The rest of the configuration in the third embodiment is the same asthat in the first embodiment above. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment,the reflector includes the reflecting sheet 7 (e.g., first reflector)that is disposed along a front face of the rear frame 3 (e.g., housing)facing towards the display component 1, and the panel post-usereflecting sheet 307 (e.g., second reflector) that is disposed betweenthe rear frame 3 (e.g., housing) and the support 9 a (e.g., main bodyportion) and is arranged to overlap the support 9 a (e.g., main bodyportion) as seen in the direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a.The panel post-use reflecting sheet 307 (e.g., second reflector) has areflectivity of light that is higher than that of the reflecting sheet 7(e.g., first reflector).

Effect of Third Embodiment

The following effect can be obtained with the third embodiment.

With the third embodiment, just as with the first embodiment above, thefirst holes 3 b and the second holes 3 c are provided to the rear frame3, the panel posts 9 are provided with the supports 9 a and with thehook-shaped parts 9 c and convex parts 9 d that engage with the firstholes 3 b and the second holes 3 c, and the connected portions 90 a and90 b between the hook-shaped parts 9 c and convex parts 9 d and theprotruding portions 9 b are disposed so as substantially not to overlapthe supports 9 a, as seen in a direction perpendicular to the displayface 1 a. Consequently, fewer shadows will be produced at the displaycomponent 1 near the distal end parts 9 e of the panel posts 9, whichare attributable to the leakage of light from the light sourcecomponents 6 at a side of a face (rear face side) of the rear frame 3that is not the display face 1 a.

Also, with the third embodiment, as discussed above, there are providedthe reflecting sheet 7, which is disposed along the face of the rearframe 3 on the display component 1 side, and the panel post-usereflecting sheet 307, which is disposed between the supports 9 a and therear frame 3, is disposed so as to overlap the entire region of thesupports 9 a as seen in a direction perpendicular to the display face 1a, and has a higher reflectivity of light than the reflecting sheet 7.Consequently, compared to when the reflecting sheet 7 is disposed so asto overlap substantially the entire region of the supports 9 a as seenin a direction perpendicular to the display face 1 a, more light can bereflected to the display component 1 side by the panel post-usereflecting sheet 307, which has high reflectivity, so even fewer shadowswill be produced on the display component 1 near the distal end parts 9e of the panel posts 9.

MODIFICATION EXAMPLES

The embodiments disclosed herein are just examples in every respect, andshould not be interpreted as being limiting in nature. The scope of theinvention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by theabove description of the embodiments, all modifications (modificationexamples) within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims areincluded.

For instance, in the first to third embodiments above, a liquid crystaltelevision device is used as an example of the display device of thepresent invention, but the present invention is not limited to this.Something other than a liquid crystal television device can be used asthe display device in the present invention. For instance, a displaydevice for a PC (personal computer) or any other common display devicecan be used.

Also, in the first to third embodiments above, an example is given inwhich the hook-shaped parts are disposed extending in the left and rightdirection, but the present invention is not limited to this. Forexample, in the present invention, hook-shaped parts 409 c can bedisposed extending in the up and down direction (Z direction), as withthe panel posts 409 in the first modification example shown in FIG. 10.The panel posts 409 are an example of the “support component” of thepresent disclosure. Also, hooks 409 f are an example of the “secondholding portion” of the present disclosure. The rest of theconfiguration in the first modification example is the same as that inthe first embodiment above.

Also, in the first to third embodiments above, an example is given inwhich hook-shaped parts and convex parts are disposed on the left andright direction sides of the supports, but the present invention is notlimited to this. For example, in the present invention, hook-shapedparts 509 c and convex parts 509 d can be disposed on the up and downdirection side (Z direction side) of the supports 9 a, as with the panelposts 509 in the second modification example shown in FIG. 11. The panelposts 509 are an example of the “support component” of the presentdisclosure. Also, hooks 509 f are an example of the “second holdingportion” of the present disclosure. The rest of the configuration in thesecond modification example is the same as that in the first embodimentabove.

Also, in the first embodiment above, an example is given in which thepanel posts are attached to the rear frame by hook-shaped parts andconvex parts, but the present invention is not limited to this. Forexample, in the present invention, the panel posts 609 can be attachedto the rear frame 603 by means of a pair of hooks 609 f (only the one onthe X1 direction side is shown in FIG. 12) provided protruding rearward(in the Y2 direction) from the ends of the protruding portion 9 b in theleft and right direction (X direction), and a pair of rectangular holes603 c provided to the rear frame 603, as with the panel posts 609 in thethird modification example shown in FIG. 12. In the illustratedembodiment, the hooks 609 f extends outwards relative to the outerperipheral edge of the protruding portion 9 b. The panel posts 609 arean example of the “support component” of the present disclosure. Also,the hooks 609 f are an example of the “second holding portion” of thepresent disclosure. Also, the rear frame 603 is an example of the“housing” Of the present disclosure. The rest of the configuration inthe third modification example is the same as that in the firstembodiment above. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the rectangularholes 603 c (e.g., first holding portions) include holes, and the hooks609 f (e.g., second holding portions) include hooks that extend throughthe rectangular holes 603 c to engage with the rectangular holes 603 c.Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the support 9 a (e.g., main bodyportion) has a rectangular shape as seen in the direction perpendicularto the display face 1 a, the rectangular holes 603 c (e.g., two of thefirst holding portions) are provided corresponding to the hooks 609 f(e.g., second holding portions). The distance between the rectangularholes 603 c (e.g., first holding portions) is larger than the width ofthe support 9 a (e.g., main body portion) in the X direction (e.g.,lengthwise direction of the main body portion) as seen in the directionperpendicular to the display face 1 a.

Also, in the third embodiment above, an example is given in which thesecond reflector of the present invention is a panel post-use reflectingsheet, but the present invention is not limited to this. The secondreflector of the present invention can instead be a flat part that hasbeen given a mirror finish or coated with a paint capable of reflectinglight, rather than a panel post-use reflecting sheet.

Also, in the third embodiment above, an example is given in which apanel post-use reflecting sheet is disposed only in the regionoverlapping the supports, as seen in a direction perpendicular to thedisplay face, but the present invention is not limited to this. In thepresent invention, the panel post-use reflecting sheet can be disposedin a region overlapping the supports and the protrusions, as seen in adirection perpendicular to the display face.

Also, in the first to third embodiments above, an example is given inwhich an LED is used as the light source of the present invention, butthe present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention,a point light source other than an LED can be used as the light source.

Also, in the first to third embodiments above, an example is given inwhich boards on which LEDs are mounted are arranged in parallel on therear frame, but the present invention is not limited to this. Thepresent invention can be configured such that boards on which LEDs aremounted are disposed in something other than a parallel layout. Forinstance, the boards on which LEDs are mounted can be disposed in an Xshape, or can be disposed randomly.

Also, in the first to third embodiments above, an example is given inwhich two panel posts are provided, but the present invention is notlimited to this. In the present invention, just one panel post or threeor more can be provided.

Also, in the first to third embodiments above, an example is given inwhich the supports of the panel posts are rectangular and the protrudingportions are elliptical as seen in a direction perpendicular to thedisplay face (Y direction), but the present invention is not limited tothis. The present invention can be configured such that supports 709 aand protruding portions 709 b are circular, as seen in a directionperpendicular to the display face, as with the panel posts 709 in thefourth modification example shown in FIG. 13. The panel posts 709 are anexample of the “support component” of the present disclosure. Thesupports 709 a are an example of the “main body portions” of the presentdisclosure.

Also, in the first to third embodiments above, an example is given inwhich the supports do not overlap the engagement protruding portions orthe hook-shaped parts or convex parts, which are the second holdingportions in the present invention, but the present invention is notlimited to this. The present invention can be configured such that thesupport 9 a at least partially overlaps hooks 809 f as seen in adirection perpendicular to the display face 1 a (Y direction), as withthe panel posts 809 in the fifth modification example shown in FIG. 14,for example. The hooks 809 f have distal ends that extend inward, andengage with inside edges of holes, such as rectangular holes 603 c (seeFIG. 12). The panel posts 809 are an example of the “support component”of the present disclosure. The hooks 809 f are an example of the “secondholding portion” of the present disclosure.

[1] In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance witha first aspect of the present invention, a display device comprises adisplay, a light source, a housing, an optical component, and a supportcomponent. The light source is configured to emit light towards thedisplay. The housing accommodates the light source, and includes abottom portion that has a first holding portion and a side wall thatextends towards the display from an outer peripheral edge of the bottomportion. The optical component is disposed between the display and thehousing. The support component supports the optical component, and isheld by the first holding portion. The support component includes atranslucent main body portion that is disposed on the bottom portion andextends towards the optical component, a protruding portion thatprotrudes in a direction parallel to a main face of the display from themain body portion, and a second holding portion that is provided to theprotruding portion and is heled by the first holding portion.

Also, for example, a connected portion of the second holding portion andthe protruding portion can be located at a substantially non-overlappinglocation relative to the main body portion as seen in a directionperpendicular to the main face. With this display device, the firstholding portion is provided to the housing, the main body portion andthe second holding portion held by the first holding portion areprovided to the support component. The connected portion of the secondholding portion and the protruding portion is disposed so assubstantially not to overlap the main body portion as seen in thedirection perpendicular to the main face. Consequently, compared to whenthe connected portion and the main body portion are disposed so as tooverlap each other as seen in the direction perpendicular to the mainface, the second holding portion and the end of the main body portion onthe housing side are disposed away from each other. Thus, it is lesslikely that light will infiltrate from the main body portion into thesecond holding portion, and the light leakage from the housing and soforth can be suppressed. Also, the amount of light that is reflected onthe housing side toward the distal end side of the support component canbe increased. As a result, there are fewer shadows on the display nearthe distal end of the support component, which are attributable to theleakage of the light from the light source to a side of a face (rearface side) of the housing that faces opposite to the main face. Here,the connected portion being disposed substantially not to overlap themain body portion as seen in the direction perpendicular to the mainface refers to at least a part of the connected portion being disposedoutside of a region corresponding to the main body portion as seen inthe direction perpendicular to the main face. Similarly, the connectedportion being located at a substantially non-overlapping locationrelative to the main body portion as seen in a direction perpendicularto the main face refers to at least a part of the connected portionbeing located outside of a region corresponding to the main body portionas seen in the direction perpendicular to the main face.

[2] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to the displaydevice mentioned above, the display device further comprises a reflectorthat is disposed between the housing and the main body portion, and isconfigured to reflect the light from the light source component.

[3] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the reflector is arranged relativeto the main body portion to overlap at least 80% of an entire region ofthe main body portion as seen in a direction perpendicular to the mainface. With this configuration, the proportion accounted for by theregion in which the reflector overlaps the main body portion withrespect to the entire region of the main body portion as seen in thedirection perpendicular to the main face is at least 80% (so that itwill be relatively larger). Thus, the light from the optical componentside can be reflected more effectively by the reflector.

[4] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the reflector is arranged relativeto the main body portion to overlap substantially an entire region ofthe main body portion as seen in the direction perpendicular to the mainface. With this configuration, the reflector is disposed so as tooverlap substantially the entire region of the main body portion as seenin the direction perpendicular to the main face. Thus, the light fromthe optical component side can be reflected even more effectively by thereflector.

[5] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the reflector is arranged tooverlap substantially an entire region in which the main body portionand the optical component contact with each other as seen in thedirection perpendicular to the main face. With this configuration, thereflector is disposed so as to overlap substantially the entire regionof the region in which the main body portion and the optical componentcontact with each other. Thus, the light from the optical component sidecan be effectively reflected by the reflector.

[6] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the reflector is arranged tooverlap an entire region of the main body portion in which a distancebetween the main body portion and the optical component is less than orequal to a predetermined distance as seen in the direction perpendicularto the main face.

[7] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the first holding portion extendsthrough the reflector and protrudes towards the display, and the secondholding portion protrudes in the direction parallel to the main face ofthe display. With this configuration, if the housing is made of sheetmetal, the first holding portion can be easily formed by cutting andlifting the sheet metal. Also, compared to when the second holdingportion is engaged in a hole that passes through to a side of a face(rear face side) that is opposite to the main face, there will be lessleakage of the light from the light source to the rear face side of thehousing. Thus, even fewer shadows will be produced on the display nearthe distal end of the support component.

[8] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the reflector includes a firstreflector that is disposed along a face of the housing facing towards onthe display, and a second reflector that is disposed between the housingand the main body portion and is arranged to overlap the main bodyportion as seen in the direction perpendicular to the main face. Thesecond reflector has a reflectivity of light that is higher than that ofthe first reflector. With this configuration, compared to when the firstreflector is disposed so as to overlap the main body portion as seen inthe direction perpendicular to the main face, more light can bereflected to the display side by the second reflector with higherreflectivity. Thus, even fewer shadows will be produced on the displaynear the distal end of the support component.

[9] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the second holding portion islocated at a non-overlapping location relative to the main body portionas seen in a direction perpendicular to the main face.

[10] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the first holding portion islocated at a substantially non-overlapping location relative to the mainbody portion as seen in a direction perpendicular to the main face.

[11] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, two of the second holding portionsare provided, and the second holding portions are provided on both sidesof the main body portion as seen in a direction perpendicular to themain face. With this configuration, the second holding portions areengaged with the first holding portions (the support component isattached to the housing) on both sides of the main body portion. Thus,the support component can be stably attached to the housing even if thefirst holding portions and second holding portions are offset from themain body portion.

[12] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the main body portion has arectangular shape as seen in a direction perpendicular to the main face,and the second holding portion is adjacent to the main body portion in alengthwise direction of the main body.

[13] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the second holding portion has arectangular shape as seen in a direction perpendicular to the main face,and a center line of the second holding portion that bisects the secondholding portion in a lengthwise direction of the second holding portionis located at a non-overlapping location relative to the main bodyportion.

[14] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the first holding portion includesa hole, and the second holding portion includes a hook that extendsthrough the hole to engage with the hole.

[15] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the main body portion has arectangular shape as seen in the direction perpendicular to the mainface, two of the first holding portions are provided corresponding tothe second holding portions, and a distance between the first holdingportions is larger than a width of the main body portion in a lengthwisedirection of the main body portion as seen in the directionperpendicular to the main face.

[16] In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance witha second aspect of the present invention, a display device comprises adisplay, a housing, a light source, an optical component, and a supportcomponent. The housing includes a first holding portion and is disposedon an opposite side of a display face of the display. The opticalcomponent is disposed between the display and the light source toreceive light from the light source and to emit the light towards thedisplay. The support component includes a translucent main body portionthat protrudes from the housing towards the optical component, and asecond holding portion that engages with the first holding portion. Atleast a part of the second holding portion is located at anon-overlapping location relative to the main body portion as seen in adirection perpendicular to the display face.

[17] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to the displaydevice mentioned above, the display device further comprises a reflectorthat is disposed between the housing and the main body portion, and isconfigured to reflect the light from the light source.

[18] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the reflector is arranged relativeto the main body portion to overlap at least 80% of an entire region ofthe main body portion as seen in the direction perpendicular to thedisplay face.

[19] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the reflector is arranged relativeto the main body portion to overlap substantially the entire region ofthe main body portion as seen in the direction perpendicular to thedisplay face.

[20] In accordance with a preferred embodiment according to any one ofthe display devices mentioned above, the reflector is arranged tooverlap substantially an entire region in which the main body portionand the optical component contact with each other as seen in thedirection perpendicular to the display face.

With the present invention, as discussed above, it is possible tosuppress shadows that occur in the display near the distal end of postby preventing the leakage of the light from the light source on the rearface side of the housing.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, the following directional terms “forward”, “rearward”,“front”, “rear”, “up”, “down”, “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”,“top”, “bottom”, “side”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “perpendicular” and“transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions of a display device in an upright position.Accordingly, these directional terms, as utilized to describe thedisplay device should be interpreted relative to a display device in anupright position on a horizontal surface. The terms “left” and “right”are used to indicate the “right” when referencing from the right side asviewed from the front of the display device, and the “left” whenreferencing from the left side as viewed from the front of the displaydevice.

The term “attached” or “attaching”, as used herein, encompassesconfigurations in which an element is directly secured to anotherelement by affixing the element directly to the other element;configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the otherelement by affixing the element to the intermediate member(s) which inturn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which oneelement is integral with another element, i.e. one element isessentially part of the other element. This definition also applies towords of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”,“mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives. Finally, terms ofdegree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as usedherein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that theend result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise,the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components canbe changed as needed and/or desired so long as the changes do notsubstantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically statedotherwise, components that are shown directly connected or contactingeach other can have intermediate structures disposed between them solong as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function.The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versaunless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions ofone embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessaryfor all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the sametime. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or incombination with other features, also should be considered a separatedescription of further inventions by the applicant, including thestructural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus,the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the presentinvention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose oflimiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a display; a lightsource that emits light towards the display; a housing accommodating thelight source, and including a bottom portion that has a first holdingportion and a side wall that extends towards the display from an outerperipheral edge of the bottom portion; an optical component disposedbetween the display and the housing; and a support component supportingthe optical component and attached to the bottom portion of the housingby the first holding portion, the support component including atranslucent main body, a base having a portion that protrudes outwardrelative to the main body, and a second holding portion provided to thebase and being held by the first holding portion; and a reflector thatis disposed between the housing and the main body, and reflects thelight from the light source, the main body extending towards the opticalcomponent from a first location of a first surface of the portion of thebase, the second holding portion extending from a location of the basethat is spaced apart from a second location of a second surface of theportion of the base, the second location of the portion of the basebeing directly opposite the first location of the portion of the base,and the support component having a light irradiation surface at alocation on the second surface of the portion of the base that overlapswith a distal end of the main body as seen in a direction perpendicularto a main face of the display, with the light irradiation surface beingirradiated with the light that has been reflected by the reflector. 2.The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first holdingportion includes a hole.
 3. The display device according to claim 2,wherein the second holding portion extends through the hole to engagewith the bottom portion of the housing.
 4. The display device accordingto claim 1, wherein the second holding portion includes at least oneprojection engaged with the bottom portion of the housing.
 5. Thedisplay device according to claim 4, wherein the at least one projectionis located at a non-overlapping location relative to the main body asseen in the direction perpendicular to the main face of the display. 6.The display device according to claim 5, wherein the at least oneprojection includes two projections, and the two projections are locatedat a non-overlapping location relative to the main body as seen in thedirection perpendicular to the main face of the display.
 7. The displaydevice according to claim 1, wherein the second holding portion includesan attachment part that extends from the base, and a cross part thatextend perpendicular to the attachment part.
 8. The display deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the second holding portion includes atleast one projection engaged with the bottom portion of the housing. 9.The display device according to claim 8, wherein the at least oneprojection is disposed at an end portion of the cross part.
 10. Thedisplay device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one projectionis located at a non-overlapping location relative to the main body asseen in the direction perpendicular to the main face of the display. 11.The display device according to claim 8, wherein the at least oneprojection includes two projections disposed at end portions of thecross part.
 12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein thetwo projections are located at non-overlapping locations relative to themain body as seen in the direction perpendicular to the main face of thedisplay.
 13. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the mainbody has a rectangular shape as seen in the direction perpendicular tothe main face of the display, and the cross part extends in a directionparallel to a lengthwise direction of the main body.
 14. The displaydevice according to claim 1, wherein the first holding portion includesa hole, and the reflector includes a hole at a location corresponding tothe hole of the first holding portion.
 15. The display device accordingto claim 14, wherein the second holding portion extends through the holeof the reflector and the hole of the first holding portion to engagewith the bottom portion of the housing.
 16. The display device accordingto claim 1, wherein at least a part of the second holding portion islocated at a non-overlapping location relative to the main body as seenin the direction perpendicular to the main face of the display.
 17. Thedisplay device according to claim 1, wherein the main body extendstowards the optical component relative to the base, and the secondholding portion extends away from the optical component relative to thebase.
 18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the distalend of the main body has a smaller area than that of an outer profile ofthe main body as viewed in the direction perpendicular to the main faceof the display.
 19. The display device according to claim 18, whereinthe distal end of the main body contacts with the optical component.